Tanzanian visit to be followed by visits to other African countries
This month saw SLF launch a new campaign “Are You Ready” to help the leather industry prepare for the incoming regulations and directives that will have a significant impact on our sector.
It is crucial that all stakeholders understand what the new legislation means, how it will affect their business and how they can prepare now in order to meet the challenges ahead.
This does not have to be an overwhelming task; SLF is encouraging organisations to take small steps now and to work with existing business information that is already available as the starting point for progression.
Key Questions?
- Do you understand how incoming legislation and directives, such as the EU Corporate Due Diligence Directive, will affect your business?
- Do you understand how your business fits into the larger ecosystem that includes global supply chains?
- Do you know your wider supply chain risk exposure from raw input materials to finished product?
- Can you prove and demonstrate your due diligence for environmental, social and governance risks?
- Do you have a business plan in place to support your ability to meet due diligence and other requirements starting from 2024?
If your answer to any of the above questions is “no”, then you could benefit from becoming a partner of the Sustainable Leather Foundation and working with SLF’s A.I.M. (Accessible, Inclusive, Modular) approach to robust ESG development and certification. The Foundation has a systematic way that guides and supports organisations to prepare and meet the expectations of customers for the future.
Our industry is in a state of change that requires evolution away from the “business as usual” model and into a “business of the future”. Whilst voluntary standards have been successful to some degree, now that legislation and directives are being introduced, those that have ignored the need to adopt existing voluntary standards are in danger of being left behind. This is a worrying prospect and one that SLF has been passionate about since its inception in 2020. A key part of SLF’s vision is to ensure that all organisations in the leather value chain, irrespective of size, location or current standard of operation, have access to support, training and certification in order to increase positive impacts and reduce negative impacts – for people, planet and profit.
So how can you start to prepare? The below guide is useful and achievable for any organisation to stop the inertia and start the process of sustainable improvement.
Key Processes
Some of the areas covered by the incoming directives and legislation include human rights, environmental harm, deforestation, waste disposal and labelling. In some countries such as France and Germany legislation is already in place, and for others – particularly any company who works or is based in the EU - 2024 is a key year for introduction of tighter rules and requirements. Even if you are not based in the EU, if you have customers or suppliers who are, then you will be affected too.
For more information about how SLF can support you please visit the website: www.sustainableleatherfoundation.com or email info@sustainableleatherfoundation.com
Footwear Industry Articles
- Some ideas to stimulate a recovery in local footwear and leather goods manufacturing
There are many factors other than reluctant chain buyers that contribute to the SA leather value chain’s problems ...moreRunning remains a difficult market for brands to break into
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA – The count is probably an accurate reflection of the intentions of the entrants when entries closed on 17 December 24, but it also throws up an oddity: Specialist running shoe retailers I have spoken to will tell you that Asics is the number 1 running brand, but Adidas is definitely not number 2 in their s ...moreBack to Amazon, up with prices — is Nike’s comeback plan enough?
Nike has now reported its fourth straight quarter of declining year-over-year sales. To stop the slide, it’s making two major moves — selling directly on Amazon again and raising prices on select products. These strategies may offer a short-term lift, but deeper challenges remain.Returning to Amazon connects Nike to over 230 m ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Back to off? - Sam Setter's 'Pills': For readers who need some wry medicinal humourOur industry has been submitted for years to the unrealistic and ideological EU sustainability directives, mainly pushed by Dutch ex-EU commissioner Frans Timmermans, who, not happy with the damage he has done in the EU, now tries to ruin the political atmosphere in his own country. These directives have more to do with ideology than with ...moreACLE, new Moda China, UITIC – Shanghai gearing up for major event
‘China taking advantage of rock bottom hide prices’rnDuties on U.S. hides – opportunities for other countries? ...moreCountry hides and skins: Changed markets for a forgotten source
Changes in the global leather market have impacted most on the bottom rung of the leather value chain – ‘country’ hides and skins. This was starkly illustrated when S&V African Leather received a call from someone in the Eastern Cape who had previously made a living collecting them for sale to agents acting on behalf of hide and skin collectors. The agents were still there, he said, but they weren’t interested in buying what he had to offer. Where should he look?rnrn A call to trader Gareth Diesel in East London, who works for and with Elliott Brothers and its subsidiary, East London Abattoir, confirmed that market had died in the province.rnrn He suggested we ask Greg Feinberg, MD of SA’s biggest hide and skin trader, pickler and wet blue tannery, Cape Produce Company, for ‘the bigger picture’. ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- 7 strategies to create more resilient mine dewatering
Dewatering is a crucial operation in mining. Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem Africa, advises how to approach mine dewatering with these 7 strategies. As recent events at a Namibian mine demonstrate, dewatering is a critical linchpin for mining operations. ...moreSouth Africa’s first safety escape room for hands-on health and safety training
South Africa's first safety escape room was set up at Phalaborwa Mining Company (PMC) in November last year by health and safety solutions provider KBC.“We required a fresh approach to training,” said Mabore Macheru, Manager in Training Development and Contractor Management at PMC. “This offers an interactive and practic ...moreMine deaths in SA ‘lowest ever’ in 2024Extract from the release of 2024 mine health and safety statistics by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, on 23 January 2025. ...more
